The great deception. A secret history of the European Union

Abstract:

The debate about Europe and the proposed Constitution resounds with theories of Franco-German dominance, loss of sovereignty and the march towards federalism. Politicians talk of Britain at the 'centre of Europe', but little mention is made that Britain, or perhaps more accurately one Briton, was in at the start of 'Europe'. Arthur Salter, an English civil servant and a close friend of Jean Monnet, shared the dream of a 'United States of Europe' with a 'supranational' government.

This book traces the path from those early ambitions through to today. Almost like a secret diary of events leading to the European Convention, it tells of the many twists and turns along the way - De Gaulle's objection to Britain's earlier entry being just one of them. It shows how Britain's politicians, not least Tony Blair, have consistently been outplayed in a game the rules of which they never understood.

The book is a 'must read' for scholars and students of European Studies, and an interesting work for all those curious about the probable direction of Europe.

Christopher Booker has written for the Sunday Telegraph since 1990. He was also the founding editor of Private Eye, to which he still contributes.

Richard North, a nationally recognised expert on food safety, was until recently research director for the Europe of Democracies and Diversities group in the European Parliament.